10 Popular Jobs to Outsource

The comedic logic behind setting a TV sitcom -- as NBC did with "Outsourced" -- in a call center in India, where the locals work under the supervision of an American boss, is obvious. Cultural misunderstandings and differences are fodder for conflict and laughs. The business logic of non-fictional companies offshoring customer service call centers to distant shores is also obvious, given that labor costs can be so much lower in developing nations. But while the profit motive can be irresistible to American companies, it comes at a risk. Communication difficulties leave customers angry and may tarnish the reputation of a business. The potential troubles that come with offshoring call centers may also help explain why more companies are bringing them back to the United States.

Keep reading to find out why your cough or headache could be generating an outsourced job.